Newlywed wife of US soldier freed by ICE after detention at military base

Annie Ramos, a 22-year-old undocumented immigrant who arrived in the United States as a child, was released by U.S. immigration authorities following her arrest at a military base where her husband is stationed. The detention occurred just days after their marriage, marking a turbulent start to their new life together. Ramos was taken into custody on 2 April and held for five days at a facility housing hundreds of individuals facing deportation under the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Staff Sergeant Matthew Blank, who enlisted over five years ago and has served in the Middle East and Europe, shared his emotional relief after her release. “I feel awesome. Relieved. Relieved,” he told the New York Times, describing the period as “the worst days of my life.” The couple had traveled from Houston to a Louisiana base to apply for a military ID for Ramos and activate her spouse benefits, with intentions to relocate her to the base during Easter weekend. Instead, Ramos was abruptly separated from Blank, disrupting their plans.

“I can’t wait to carry my wife into our home and start our lives together,” Blank said to the newspaper, which first reported the incident. “I’m complete and ready to serve our country. And it’s her country, too.”

During an appointment at the base, the couple submitted Ramos’ birth certificate, Honduran passport, marriage license, and Blank’s military ID. Yet, she was still detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who placed her in handcuffs before transporting her in a military vehicle. “Being in detention is a choice,” ICE stated in a release, urging undocumented immigrants to use the CBP Home App for self-deportation, offering financial incentives and a free flight for those who opt to leave voluntarily.

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, whose family is based in the state, reached out to Blank to advocate for Ramos’ release. A spokesperson noted that Kelly also spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who was aware of the case. “I’m happy Annie is back with her husband and family where she belongs,” Kelly told the BBC after her release. “They never should have gone through this painful process, but far too many families like theirs are affected by this administration.”

Ramos entered the U.S. illegally in 2005 and was issued a final removal order after failing to attend an immigration hearing. At the time, she was around 22 months old. Legal analysts noted a shift in the administration’s approach, moving away from past leniency toward military families in immigration cases. The detention has sparked criticism from advocates, who argue it weakens military morale. Gaby Pacheco, president of TheDream.US, called the situation a “wake-up call.” “Detaining a 22-year-old biochemistry student who has lived here for two decades and is married to a U.S. Army staff sergeant preparing for deployment doesn’t make us safer—it weakens a military family, undermines our basic values, and exposes how far we’ve fallen as a nation,” she said.

Ramos, a biochemistry student, now focuses on securing her legal status, completing her education, and building a life with her husband. “All I have ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I have called home since I was a baby,” she stated in a BBC interview. “I want to finish my degree, continue my education, and serve my community—just as my husband serves our country with honor.”